- Botanical Name (Latin): Plantago Psyllium
- Sanskrit Name: Sat Isabgol
- Common Name (English): Psyllium Seed Husks
- Type of Herb: Ayurvedic
- Pharmacological Action: Laxative, Demulcent, Expectorant, Emollient, Astringent
- Indications (Uses): Chronic Constipation, Colitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Urethritis, Cystitis, Ulcers, Gastritis, Blood Cholesterol LDL Level, High Triglycerides, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Plant Part Used: Husk
Psyllium seed husk (PSH) is obtained from plants of the Plantago genera. Plantago ovata (also known as Isapghula), cultivated mainly in India, is the most abundant source of the world psyllium seed husk. Psyllium Seeds, Psyllium husk and Psyllium husk powder are categorized under the Natural Herbal medicine. These herbs cure in a natural way without disturbing the natural balance of the body.
PSH has a high content of mucilage polysaccharide that gels over a wide range of concentrations. PSH has long been used as a laxative because of this gelling property. PSH is gaining popularity in the functional and nutraceutical food market because of its hypocholesterolemic effects. Studies have shown that intake of 10.2 g of PSH per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol significantly lowers the total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood.
In October 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the health claim that there is an association between consumption of PSH and reduction in risk of coronary heart disease. In several studies conducted, researchers found that seriously obese women who took few teaspoons of psyllium with water before meals lost more weight than those who did not.
Uses:Psyllium is produced mainly for its mucilage content, which is highest in P. ovata. Mucilage describes a group of clear, colorless, gelling agents derived from plants. The mucilage obtained from psyllium comes from the seed coat. Mucilage is obtained by mechanical milling/grinding of the outer layer of the seed. Mucilage yield amounts to approximately 25% or more (by weight) of the total seed yield. Plantago seed mucilage is often referred to as husk or psyllium husk.